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Prada has a new home in Shanghai. Today the Milan based fashion house announced the opening of Prada Rong Zhai, a beautifully restored historic 1918 mansion in central Shanghai. Rong Zhai is one of the finest Western-style garden villas in Shanghai. The project, which began in 2011, is a revival of the breathtaking mansion as a symbolic representation of Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli’s admiration of Chinese heritage, culture and architecture. 

Rong Zhai won’t be the first restoration for Prada. Miuccia Prada and her husband Patricia Bertelli have extensive experience with historic preservation projects including: Milan’s 19th-century luxury shopping arcade Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Palazzo Ca’ Corner della Regina, a palace on the Grand Canal in Venice. 

Rong Zhai was originally designed for the distinguished family of Young Tsoong-King and will now be used as a site for Prada’s diverse activities in China. The restoration was a dynamic collaboration between Western architects, Italian craftsmen, and Chinese scholars and artists.

The unveiling will be celebrated with none other than an exclusive preview of Prada’s 2018 Resort collection on October 12. A press conference and an opening cocktail reception will follow on October 14 as well as other activities during Shanghai fashion week. 

Prada Rong Zhai will be open to the public for one month starting October 17.

Written by Robyn Merrett